AI Glossary

Diagnostic Scan

A diagnostic scan uses a scan tool to communicate with a vehicle's electronic control modules and retrieve information such as diagnostic trouble codes, system status, and identification data.

Also known as: Vehicle scan; pre-scan; post-scan; electronic systems scan

Why it matters in collision repair

Pre-repair and post-repair scans help identify collision-related conditions, support repair planning, and verify that electronic systems have been addressed according to OEM procedures.

Collision-industry example

A pre-repair scan finds a fault in the blind-spot monitoring system, leading the repair planner to research testing and calibration requirements.